Pattaya Diving Exploration of Koh Larn
Pattaya Diving Exploration of Koh Larn: Dive into the Glass Sea in February and Discover the Forgotten Coral Secret
At 5 am in Pattaya Bay, the roar of diesel engines breaks the silence before dawn. I jump onto the deck of a local fishing boat with 20 kg of diving gear on my back. The captain, Somchai, points his fishy-smelling thumb to the east - where Koh Larn, shrouded in morning mist, is slowly waking up from the deep blue sea. This is not a regular route on the tourist brochure, but a secret passage for coral reef guardians.
? Underwater Church in the Morning Mist (Recommended Time: 6:00-8:00)
When the first ray of sunlight penetrates 12 meters of seawater, the coral reefs at the northwest corner of Tawaen Beach are performing the magic of light. The cold current unique to February mornings brings a glass sea with visibility of over 30 meters, and the staghorn corals, once thought to be extinct, stretch their branches in the morning light, resembling the stained glass dome of a Gothic church. Experienced dive guide Anan will take you past the sightseeing snorkeling area, where at an 18-meter-deep cliff, the rusty propeller of a World War II shipwreck is hidden - now a nursery for blue-ringed octopuses.
? Coral Maternity Ward at Noon (Recommended Time: 11:00-13:00)
The seventh day after the full moon in February is the "Coral Birth Day" passed down by local fishermen. In a hidden bay on the east side of Samae Beach, the water temperature suddenly rises by 0.5°C. Put on a magnifying glass mask, and you will witness the most magical life theater: soft corals release pink gametes, like an underwater cherry blossom rain; giant clams suddenly open their shells, spraying out a galaxy-like cloud of sperm and eggs. Remember to bring a red filter, as these fleeting reproductive behaviors will present a breathtaking magical hue under natural light.
? Fluorescent Secret Realm of Dusk Diving (Recommended Time: 17:30-18:30)
When the sunset dyes Ta Yai Beach amber, the real magic is just beginning. Put on a UV flashlight, and those seemingly ordinary corals during the day suddenly burst into neon blue fluorescence - this is the photosynthetic warning system of coral polyps before the arrival of moonlight. Follow night diving veteran Noi to find glowing boxer shrimps in the 6-meter shallow water, using fluorescent tentacles to communicate with symbiotic gobies. The bioluminescent plankton unique to February will make every stroke of yours bring up starry debris.
Disruptive Experience List
1. Coral Doctor's Treatment Class: Book a "Coral Transplant Work Dive" at Nual Dive Shop and use special epoxy resin to help broken coral branches heal.
2. Underwater Archaeological Breakfast: Dive into a 10-meter-deep reef with a waterproof lunch box and enjoy mango sticky rice next to the shipwreck.
3. Sonar Meditation: Lie on the 30-meter-deep sand and listen to the 52Hz resonance of longtail sharks swimming by.
Local Dive Spot Jargon
- "Attend a Jellyfish Wedding": Refers to the mass reproduction of moon jellyfish in Had Tian Bay during the full moon.
- "Deliver a Package to the Dragon King": Deliver a waterproof postcard to the sunken mailbox at the southwest corner of Naul Pier.
- "Sea Slug Hunter": Refers to dive guides who can find rare nudibranchs in coral crevices.
February Exclusive Equipment
- 3mm wetsuit + sun hat (the temperature difference between day and night causes the surface water temperature to fluctuate between 26-29°C)
- Coral-friendly sunscreen mud (blue paste containing zinc oxide can disguise as juvenile fish)
- Waterproof sketchbook (record the moment of encountering whale sharks, which pass by two weeks earlier than in peak season)
When the ferry carries the last batch of tourists away, Koh Larn reveals its true self. On Ta Yai Beach under the moonlight, old fishermen are mending crab traps, and faint chanting can be heard in the distance. At this moment, diving into the warm night sea, you will understand why locals call diving "staying overnight in the Dragon Palace" - those noisy coral reefs during the day are writing ancient underwater scriptures with bioluminescence. The February sea breeze carries the sweet fragrance of longan flowers, a secret invitation exclusive to the dry season: come and be a night watchman of the coral kingdom for seven days before the tourist army awakens.
Pattaya Beach Flora Diving Resort